Giving New Value to 1 Ton of 'Non-Standard' Local Figs Annually: Long-Established Japanese Confectionery Shop Okamedo Launches 'Chunky Fruit Jelly' with 45% Fruit Pulp

Okamedo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture; President: Takahiko Mori), which has been making Japanese confectionery for over 70 years in the Higashi-Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture, will launch summer-limited products 'Fig Jelly' and 'Blueberry Jelly' using locally grown non-standard figs from Toyohashi and premium 'Crispy Berry' blueberries from Toyokawa.

These products are 'edible fruit jellies' that use 45% fruit pulp.

Without using artificial flavors or colors, the natural aroma, color, and taste of the fruit are sealed in the jar.

Features include the fruity aroma that wafts up when the lid is opened, the chunky texture of the fruit pulp, and the smooth, melt-in-the-mouth sensation.

Furthermore, the fig jelly actively utilizes approximately 1 ton of non-standard figs from Toyohashi that are generated annually.

This is a locally-produced, locally-consumed new product that also addresses the food loss problem faced by regional agriculture.

Online shop: https://okamedo.jp/online-shop/

[The Reality of Non-Standard Figs: 'Same Taste, But...']

Aichi Prefecture is known as one of Japan's leading fig-producing regions.

However, figs are very delicate and easily damaged, so many 'non-standard' products cannot be shipped to market for reasons such as:

・Slight surface blemishes

・Irregular shapes

・Not meeting size standards

These fruits are discarded even though their taste and aroma are no different.

With the desire to 'connect this deliciousness to the future in a different form,' Okamedo has taken on the challenge of developing products using non-standard figs.

Aiming to utilize approximately 1 ton of non-standard figs annually, the company addresses both regional agriculture and food loss issues.

[45% Fruit Pulp: More 'Fruit Itself' Than 'Jelly']

The most important focus this time was 'overwhelming fruitiness.'

Rather than adding flavor with artificial flavors like typical jellies,

the company thoroughly focused on how to preserve the fruit's own aroma, acidity, and texture.

More than 20 prototypes were made.

Heating temperature. Fruit pulp size. Jelly firmness. Timing of filling the jars.

Repeated fine adjustments were made,

achieving both 'freshness' and a 'smooth mouthfeel' despite the high 45% fruit pulp content.

Each spoonful reveals chunky fruit pieces.

The aroma of the fruit itself spreads the moment the lid is opened.

It has been crafted into a luxurious summer refreshment that feels like eating the fruit itself.

[Fig Jelly]

Lavishly uses locally grown non-standard figs from Toyohashi.

Without artificial flavors or colors, you can enjoy the natural pink color and the popping texture of the figs.

Features a gentle sweetness, smooth melt-in-the-mouth texture, and a refreshing aftertaste.

[Blueberry Jelly]

Uses premium 'Crispy Berry' blueberries from Toyokawa City.

Packed with fruit pulp, a refreshing sweet-and-sour flavor spreads the moment you put it in your mouth.

It also features a beautiful purple color derived from the fruit, making it a refreshing treat even in the hot summer.

[Developer's Comment]

'It started not with the idea of making a 'jelly,' but of 'sealing the fruit itself.'

You can easily create a 'similar taste' using artificial flavors.

But I felt that wouldn't convey the appeal of the fruit that local farmers carefully cultivated.

That's why we thoroughly focused on how to preserve the fruit's natural aroma and texture.

Even fruits called non-standard are truly delicious when eaten.

I hope that through this jelly, people will become interested in the appeal of local agriculture and the issue of food loss.'

[Regional Manufacturing 'Possible Because We Are a Japanese Confectionery Shop']

In recent years, Okamedo has been actively developing products using local ingredients, such as:

・Toyohashi quail eggs

・Sake from local breweries

・Higashi-Mikawa ingredients

This jelly is not just a new product.

It is a 'regionally co-created sweet' that connects local agriculture, producers, food loss, and 'local deliciousness' to the next generation.

Manufacturing that embraces the region, possible only for a Japanese confectionery shop.

Okamedo will continue to share the appeal of Higashi-Mikawa with the rest of Japan.

[Product Overview]

■Product Names

・Fig Jelly

・Blueberry Jelly

■Selling Price

580 yen each (tax included)

■Fruit Pulp Content

45%

■Shelf Life

14 days refrigerated

■Storage Method

Requires refrigeration

■Sales Locations

Okamedo directly managed stores

Online shop: https://okamedo.jp/online-shop/

■Release Date

From June 8th

[Company Overview]

Okamedo Co., Ltd.

Address: 164 Minami Koike-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture

President: Takahiko Mori

Website: https://okamedo.jp/

Social Media Accounts Twitter: https://twitter.com/okamedo_jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okamedo_jp/